Qa-7, 7 February 2018, Statement Of The Spokesperson Of The Ministry Of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Hami Aksoy, In Response To A Question Regarding The Increase In The Syrian Regime’s Attacks Targeting Eastern Ghouta

Republic Of Turkey Ministry Of Foreign Affairs 07.02.2018

The recent increase in the Syrian regime’s attacks towards Eastern Ghouta, which is one of the four de-escalation areas declared by the De-Escalation Memorandum signed within the framework of the Astana meetings and where a humanitarian crisis is taking place however due to the regime’s ongoing blockade, is concerning. The number of people who lost their lives due to the regime’s attacks on 6 February alone has exceeded 100.

It is also reported that chemical weapons containing chlorine have been used in the regime’s attacks in Eastern Ghouta. As a matter of fact, in his statement on 6 February, the Chair of the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Syria announced that the Commission has launched an investigation over reports that bombs containing chlorine have been used in Eastern Ghouta as well as in the town of Saraqeb in Idlib.

Our concerns with regard to the regime’s attacks targeting Eastern Ghouta and its people as well as the humanitarian situation in the region, and our request for the immediate cessation of the regime’s violations which run against the spirit of the agreement put forth at the Astana meetings are being constantly voiced in our contacts at all levels with Russia and Iran in their capacity as the regime’s guarantors.